Have fun helping to bring an eco off grid space back to life near Herceg Novi, Montenegro

Details

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  Description

  UPDATE: WE are not taking volunteers at the moment as we are not here, however, the owners might be. If they are, there will be a separate profile listing.
  
  Thanks in advance.
  
  Hello lovely people.
  We have been volunteers ourselves in some absolutely amazing places through this fab site for the past few years, so we are experienced in volunteer living.
  
  Now we are living in an off grid (but with the luxury of wifi) eco space where we can put down some roots for a while and spread out creatively and mentally. It is in the hills near to Herceg Novi, very close to the Croatian border, and is a true beauty spot. But nature has taken it over as her own. The vegetable and flower beds are hiding away underneath, and the pathways are somewhere??
  UPDATE: The pathways are now cleared and most of the strimming has been done. The veg beds are partially planted.
  
  We are looking for volunteers to help us to restore it back/forward to a vibrant glorious space again. We will all work together and have a lot of fun hopefully.
  
  The former owners have installed some of the most amazing compost toilet systems we've seen yet. All indoors, no smell and very civilised as far as toilets go. The hot/cold showers and wash basins are indoors too. All of our pee is collected and used on the flower beds. Our waste is composted, and our grey water is filtered and directed down to the vegetable beds. All very clever and inspiring systems which we'd be happy to show you.
  
  We pump our water from the stream at the top of the land, and there is a stream running near to the entrance where you can cool off. It is crystal clear and very refreshing. UPDATE: this is currently dry because it's summer but there is another very refreshing spring just 4 minutes walk away.
  
  We have an abundance of crickets and other insects, birds, lizards and a few snakes, so if you are not keen on living this close to nature, then probably not the gig for you.
  
  We are a family of 3 with a very fun and smart 13 year old son who loves to play chess (and games in general), build dens, tinker with electrics, cook and bake bread, knit, sew and experiment. Mark (my guy), is a healthy chef, and loves to make people happy with his food. He is also the handy man and keeping things running person. Kathy (me): I am a yoga fitness instructor, life coach, nutritionist and holistic and sports massage therapist. As a former restaurant owner, I am also an integral part of the kitchen. We've both been in the hospitality and well-being industry for a really long time. I tell you this to show you that we love to look after people, and help them feel good and better themselves - if that's what they want. Our chief security officer dog, who is the sweetest creature, lives with us on-site as well.
  
  Our main language is English, but we all speak a little bit of Spanish, our son is the most fluent, and Mark knows a little French. I can tell you who I am in German, and reel off all of the numbers, but that's about it.
  
  We have wifi, which has pretty good coverage over most of the space. As long as we're not all draining it with huge downloads we'll be fine. The phone reception is ok too, not fantastic, but ok.
  
  Even though the days are hot, the temperature overall is cooler than down on the coast and in the evenings you may even need an extra layer. UPDATE: Not in mid July and August.
  
  Life here is very much outdoors, with only your washing and toilets being indoors. It is a terraced land, so being fit enough to go up and down steps a lot is important. We have hammocks hung up ready for chilling, and comfortable sofas under cover, plus lots of table and chair space for eating and playing games. Trees everywhere, and the night sky is heavenly.
  
  We recycle as much as we can, so our garbage run is usually very small. So any ideas on usage of 'packaging' will be welcomed.
  
  We will feed you well, with delicious healthy veggie/vegan food. So together with the landscape and the food, you should hopefully feel pretty fit and strong by the time you travel onwards.
  
  We may also need 1 or 2 self sufficient people ongoing for just a few hours a day. We will know more once the initial clear up work is done.
  
  Oh, and we love music. Although we don't have any instruments ourselves, the stereo is always on. So expect fabulous sounds while we work.
  
  You won't be doing any work for paying guests, as we are creating this space primarily to live in at this stage.
  
  I think that about covers it for us and our place. I will write more info in the next sections.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  The eco systems in place here are extremely interesting and efficient. So if you are looking to be inspired on how to live without needing the regular drainage, sewage and garbage systems, that most of the 'civilised' world uses then there is a lot to learn here. You will be learning as you are using everything.
  
  Possibly fitness yoga in the mornings on days off.
  
  Mark can show you how to make breads and cakes etc without using wheat or sugar.
  
  You can walk to the local spring (about 5 mins walk) to collect water to drink, which may seem normal to some people, but for city dwellers this can be quite therapeutic and gratifying. We have learnt not to underestimate the beauty in the little things.
  
  The area is great for walking, hiking and exploring, and the beaches are within a 15-30 minute drive away.
  
  There are so many varieties of butterflies, bugs, birds, trees, plants and more around, that if you are a nature lover then you will love it here.
  
  if you want to learn more of the English language, particularly the more casual conversational terms, then we're your people for that. If you speak Spanish then that would be cool too, so we can practice.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  We are looking for people who enjoy getting stuck in and working thoroughly. But also who enjoy having fun while they work, and enjoy a good chill out time afterwards.
  
  Jobs to do:
  Although most of the strimming will be done by the time you get here, we will still need help with the intricate areas.
  Building stone steps from the existing rocks.
  Lifting rocks from the fire pit, clearing the grass and putting back. - DONE
  Cutting down and clearing of branches and overgrown grasses etc.
  Using the branches to build a fence.
  Build a compost bin.
  Fixing gaps in existing fence.
  Filling compost tea/pee tank with buckets of water and pee.
  Possible building of small roof on side of building.
  Fixing tiles on steps with grout. - DONE
  Preparing and planting veg beds.
  Restoring plant pots to growing something in them. - PARTIALLY DONE
  Planting herb bed.
  Watering (most of the watering is piped with our grey water, but some top watering will be needed).
  Planting some late fruits, veg and salads.
  Creating cute seating areas in the garden.
  Bathroom cleaning.
  Sewing and covering seat cushions by hand. - DONE
  General sweeping, cleaning and tidying 'junk' areas.
  Repairing and putting up solar lights
  Painting tyres white.
  Building an outdoor kitchen work area from wood. - DONE
  Building an outdoor decking for outdoor kitchen.
  Putting up and taking down tents if needed for yourself or other volunteers.
  Hand washing of own bedding if you use one of our equipped tents.
  Collecting drinking water from the nearby spring.
  Making small wooden signs.
  Get worm bin back into action.
  Building a wooden wall.
  There may be other jobs that arise as we go along.
  
  Skills needed:
  - Someone who understands gardening, planting & simple permaculture principles. You don't need to be a professional expert, but an understanding and some experience is preferable. Priority will be given based on knowledge in this area.
  
  - Someone strong for clearing areas of land, cutting/strimming and moving furniture.
  
  - Someone who can sew fabric well.
  
  - Someone with a creative flair to arrange flower pots and cute seating areas.
  
  - Someone patient and thorough to water pots, alternate watering pipes and pay attention to the fine details.
  
  - Someone with carpentry experience to build the outdoor kitchen work area/small roof/compost bin. Again, no need to be a top professional, but comfortable and skilled with handling wood and tools. Priority will be given in this area too.
  
  - Someone who can paint (the tyre wall flower bed), neatly without spreading paint everywhere like I do ;).
  
  - Someone who doesn't mind bending down low to clean showers (they're very easy), and toilets (even easier).
  
  - Someone creative with recycling of packaging and bits of stuff to make useful treasures from trash. (this is more of a bonus, not a necessity, if you have this skill)
  
  These skills can overlap across each person, so if you have one or more of these skills, and everything else you read here suits you then apply to come.
  
  Overall characteristics of our ideal people:
  Flexible
  Creative (for some jobs)
  Loves hard work
  Can work with others, AND by yourself
  A relaxed sense of humour
  Enjoys and appreciates good food
  Neat and tidy at work and in living area
  Good personal hygiene - for the comfort and enjoyment of us all.
  Frugal and energy conscious in terms of turning of lights when not in use, and using only as much water as needed.
  
  An important note: This is our home and we have a child, so certain things need to be adhered to whether they make sense to you or not. These are things like: putting all tools and equipment away after use, closing and locking gates, keeping your work area as tidy as possible, being frugal with water and lights, respecting our space, treating our things with care

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Beginner
  French: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  Accommodation: CAMPING
  We have plenty of shaded space under trees for your own tent. We can provide tents if you don't have your own, plus mattresses and bedding. No vehicles will be nearby on this part of the land, so it's very peaceful.
  There is limited space for 2-3 small camper vans or 4x4 sleeping vans. Well the space is big, but it's an incline to drive onto it. Your vehicle must be able to deal with the few metres incline. This is across the road from the main house.
  
  Food: HEALTHY
  We will feed you well with vegetarian and vegan food. We don't use wheat, sugar, or vegetable oils. Only olive or coconut oil. We do use butter, goats cheese, yoghurt & kefir but not regular cows milk in its usual form. We have oat milk which we make. We can adjust the menu to your dietary needs...except if you only eat totally raw food, or are severely allergic to nuts (we use a lot of seeds and grains that may have been close to nuts).
  
  Because of the daytime temperature, we would like to get up early, do some yoga and stretching, have a healthy juice/tea & fruit, then get on with work while it's cool. Then stop for a big BRUNCH (a mixture of breakfast and lunch) then you have time in the afternoon to do your own thing then a bit more work as the temperature cools, then relax with a lovely dinner. This will be a delicious healthy dinner (with extras). We will handle all of the food, and serve you. We just ask that you help us to clear up at the end, as you would in your own home. With us all doing it together, it should be fun and not take too long.
  This may change and we may do an early breakfast and standard lunch on some days. But that's the plan at the moment.
  If you like to do intermittent fasting then this is a great opportunity.
  This will be a mix of healthy retreat style food and a working holiday.
  
  We don't provide alcohol, but you are welcome to bring your own and drink in moderation. We like a glass of wine or a cold beer from time to time.
  
  No drugs under any circumstances (of course).
  
  If you smoke tobacco, then it's no problem outdoors, providing it doesn't offend other people, and you are very careful and use ashtrays. Fire safety is very important, and fires are banned between June and September in Montenegro.
  
  Really strong bad language please keep to your own thoughts:)

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  What else ...

  If we work in the early morning when it's cool then we can get the bulk of the work done then. With just an hour or two in the late afternoon before dinner (approx 6.30pm). This way you have plenty of time for yourselves in the afternoon.
  
  If all of what you have read here sounds like an experience you want to participate in, then do not hesitate to apply as soon as you can. List which jobs/skills you can do, and write the word 'Kambio' in the headline of your application. If we match, then we'll contact you for a short video call to be sure, as we want to make sure it's what you need.
  
  Arriving by car:
  The road is a smooth one lane road and paved all the way up here, and is suitable for cars and small vans. It's 3.2km from the bottom of the steep hill. You can park your vehicle outside just off the road or on the ramp on the top land.
  Arriving by bus:
  There is a bus stop approx 5 mins walk away.
  Arriving on foot:
  If you are crossing the Croatian border on foot, or are hitching a ride, then we can pick you up from the bottom of the hill.
  Arriving by plane:
  Dubrovnik airport (in Croatia) is 30 mins drive away (not counting queues on the border).
  Tivat airport is approx 1 hour and 15 mins drive away.
  Podgorica is approx 3 hours drive away.
  
  We can give you more details once your application has been accepted.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  Only 2-3 small campervans or 4x4 vans would be able to access the slope or fit in the parking area.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  Friendly dogs are welcome. Our dog is a calm female. who is afraid of cats...so no kitties please :0

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  5 hours per day, 5 days a week short-term (1 week) and possibly 3hrs a day ongoing.

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